So, I guess this is different than that one Warren Ellis and Project 51 tried starting that went nowhere fast. (though I don't think any of us can forget the fond thoughts of goat-fucking that was brought up within it)
So....discuss. We thinking a Vampire Hunter D-like adaption, since it's going the bloody & gory route? Can't say I'm opposed.
Title: Re: "New" Animated Dracula's Curse Series In the Works
Post by: Belmontoya on August 25, 2015, 11:18:01 PM
This is awesome news!
Who knows, if does well, maybe a new game will stem from it.
Thanks for posting this! It made my night.
Title: Re: "New" Animated Dracula's Curse Series In the Works
Post by: X on August 26, 2015, 12:20:04 AM
We'll see how this pans out , but there better NOT be a love triangle in this as there was in Judgement or there will be hell to pay for f**king CVIII's canonized story >:(
Title: Re: "New" Animated Dracula's Curse Series In the Works
Post by: EstebanT on August 26, 2015, 12:30:58 AM
This is awesome!
Title: Re: "New" Animated Dracula's Curse Series In the Works
Post by: uzo on August 26, 2015, 12:39:33 AM
Quote
The first thing I thought about was music and how we needed to avoid the traditional sword-and-sandal orchestra cliche and use the heavy metal electro guitar vibe found in the early games.
Count me interested. If they do this right, it could be incredibly awesome. I worry they may try to focus too much on the gore though. Not that the source material leaves much more than a basic framework, but still.
Title: Re: "New" Animated Dracula's Curse Series In the Works
Post by: crisis on August 26, 2015, 12:45:32 AM
Title: Re: "New" Animated Dracula's Curse Series In the Works
Post by: Gunlord on August 26, 2015, 02:03:31 AM
Sounds nice, but after the way all the other projects fell through, I don't have high hopes for this one. I'd love to be proven wrong, though.
Title: Re: "New" Animated Dracula's Curse Series In the Works
Post by: TheTextGuy on August 26, 2015, 03:08:03 AM
I'm skeptical, but I'm still going to check it out; I liked Dredd, but I wasn't exactly a fan of Power/Rangers, which was made by the same producer.
Count me interested. If they do this right, it could be incredibly awesome. I worry they may try to focus too much on the gore though. Not that the source material leaves much more than a basic framework, but still.
Being darker and edgier as well as gore is the producer's trademark. Wouldn't be surprised if that's the case.
Title: Re: "New" Animated Dracula's Curse Series In the Works
Post by: Shiroi Koumori on August 26, 2015, 03:25:29 AM
The only question in my mind is: Would this actually push through? Planning is easy. The rest are not.
Title: Re: "New" Animated Dracula's Curse Series In the Works
Post by: DragonSlayr81 on August 26, 2015, 03:28:44 AM
Frederator is doing the animation? I wonder how detailed the style will be. Frederator's cartoons are either extremely toony(FairlyOdd Parents, ChalkZone, Fanboy and Chum Chum) or simplistic(Adventure Time, Bravest Warriors, Bee and Puppycat).
Title: Re: "New" Animated Dracula's Curse Series In the Works
Post by: Nagumo on August 26, 2015, 04:53:53 AM
I'm skeptical. Altough it's done by a western animation studio that article makes it seems like it's going to be like anime (which is good), but I think I rather have it handled by a Japanese studio then. Also, the way this is already advertised as "super violent" makes me afraid this is going to be a dumb as hell too-edgy-for-me type of thing. Plus with IGA gone, who is going to supervise it?
Title: Re: "New" Animated Dracula's Curse Series In the Works
Post by: Chernabogue on August 26, 2015, 05:04:44 AM
Well, it's one thing to announce something and another to show something. Until then...
Title: Re: "New" Animated Dracula's Curse Series In the Works
Post by: JR on August 26, 2015, 05:08:20 AM
The guy they are in talks with is the same guy who was going to produce the previous animated movie, so it seems like it's the same project.
Title: Re: "New" Animated Dracula's Curse Series In the Works
Post by: TatteredSeraph on August 26, 2015, 08:48:51 AM
It's reminding me in terms of pitch, style, and aimed for audience of teh Vampire Hunter D tv series which is also in the works. Cautiously optimistic here. I've heard good things about Dredd, and rather enjoyed Power/Rangers.
Title: Re: "New" Animated Dracula's Curse Series In the Works
Post by: beingthehero on August 26, 2015, 09:44:27 AM
Quote
and be America’s first animated series for adults.
They might be a little late to the game with that one.
Title: Re: "New" Animated Dracula's Curse Series In the Works
Post by: Inccubus on August 26, 2015, 10:46:50 AM
I didn't like the line about including heavy metal music "like the early games". What early games before SotN had heavy metal? Can't count RoB since it didn't come out in the west until years later even counting early emulation. I don't like that kind of talk because it almost always means that the people behind have more of "hey I remember Castlevania being pretty cool, let's make a rad thing based on my memories of" sort of attitude as opposed to thinking more like "I love Castlevania, so let's make a cool thing based on it that all the fans will love as much as the games". So far it sounds more like Vampire Hunter D with a fresh coat of Castlevania mythos.
Title: Re: "New" Animated Dracula's Curse Series In the Works
Post by: VladCT on August 26, 2015, 11:10:08 AM
Wait, it's the same guy behind the kinda-lulzy grimderp Power Rangers short? Hmm...
Title: Re: "New" Animated Dracula's Curse Series In the Works
Post by: beingthehero on August 26, 2015, 12:24:33 PM
I didn't like the line about including heavy metal music "like the early games". What early games before SotN had heavy metal?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LZ9zNhBCVxk (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LZ9zNhBCVxk) Well, you have Thrashard in the Cave. But yeah, the NES games didn't have heavy metal whatsoever. He could just mean everything pre-LoS.
Title: Re: "New" Animated Dracula's Curse Series In the Works
Post by: DragonSlayr81 on August 26, 2015, 01:10:42 PM
I didn't like the line about including heavy metal music "like the early games". What early games before SotN had heavy metal? Can't count RoB since it didn't come out in the west until years later even counting early emulation. I don't like that kind of talk because it almost always means that the people behind have more of "hey I remember Castlevania being pretty cool, let's make a rad thing based on my memories of" sort of attitude as opposed to thinking more like "I love Castlevania, so let's make a cool thing based on it that all the fans will love as much as the games". So far it sounds more like Vampire Hunter D with a fresh coat of Castlevania mythos.
I'm guessing when he mentions "metal" he's one of those people that envisioned the early CV's bit-tunes music to be represented as "rock" or "metal" sounding songs if played with real instruments. A part of me can relate to that. A lot of them do sound great played in the metal style(they do have the rock-arranged CD, and it sounds fantastic), but a lot of the songs also sound great done in a more progressive rock and baroque style, as well.
Though, I kinda think he means less modern metal and more stuff like Ozzy's "Mr. Crowley":
Oddly enough, from an old interview I remember seeing back in the day, I think David Jaffe originally wanted God of War to feature a pure 80s-styled metal soundtrack. I think he originally envisioned that game(Kratos battling violently against monsters and gods, having sex with hot maidens) as some sort of old school ode to metal and classic heavy metal album covers(and it makes sense). Eventually he went with the orchestral score instead, but a part of me would love that "old school" take, maybe with a new game series(we need some badass knight fighting monsters, witches, demons in medieval/Conan-esque setting with a mixture of both 70s-mid-80s heavy metal and some Progressive rock as the music). Oddly enough, I edited the first LoS2 trailer with Ozzy's "Bark at the Moon" and it came out pretty cool.
Title: Re: "New" Animated Dracula's Curse Series In the Works
Post by: TheTextGuy on August 26, 2015, 02:14:14 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LZ9zNhBCVxk (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LZ9zNhBCVxk) Well, you have Thrashard in the Cave. But yeah, the NES games didn't have heavy metal whatsoever. He could just mean everything pre-LoS.
Even then, the music post-SoTN drew from a variety of genres. The majority of the songs there weren't metal.
Title: Re: "New" Animated Dracula's Curse Series In the Works
Post by: Nagumo on August 26, 2015, 03:13:41 PM
"hey I remember Castlevania being pretty cool, let's make a rad thing based on my memories of"
I think this kind of attitude is used to basically mold "the older games" (which is already a very unspecific and ill-defined term) into whatever that person wants it to be. Sometimes I hear people talk about the series in such a way and it makes me wonder if my copies of the games are even the same as theirs.
Title: Re: "New" Animated Dracula's Curse Series In the Works
Post by: son_the_vampire on August 26, 2015, 03:29:03 PM
I'm a little on the fence about all this; Part of me wants to believe that we can see the story re-told in a darker light (accompanied by the promised "super-violent" nature). I'm all for that and whatnot, but the music I feel is what will make or break this series. I cant think of one game that used only one genre of music. The different locations, bosses etc. had music to compliment and this series should be no exception.
Normally im a bit more optimistic, and should they take the Spawn animated series route, I'd have no complaints. I don't want this to translate how the Dragonball evolution did (apples to oranges) and completely ruin the chances of a sequel being done.
Title: Re: "New" Animated Dracula's Curse Series In the Works
Post by: uzo on August 26, 2015, 06:03:30 PM
Let's be honest, most video game adaptations are not supervised by anyone from the IP holder except the lawyers and accountants.
Title: Re: "New" Animated Dracula's Curse Series In the Works
Post by: Super Waffle on August 26, 2015, 07:09:12 PM
Quote
The goal is to bring hard hitting anime to the America and be America’s first animated series for adults.
Spawn says hi.
Title: Re: "New" Animated Dracula's Curse Series In the Works
Post by: Maedhros on August 26, 2015, 08:57:01 PM
Frederator being involved is great news for me.
I'm optimistic for this. Better than nothing.
Title: Re: "New" Animated Dracula's Curse Series In the Works
Post by: Crying Freeman on August 27, 2015, 01:09:48 AM
I'm excited for this news because they're clearly embracing the old school, and I love how it's ultraviolent as 99% of my animes are 80s and 90s ultraviolent OVAs or films, but I hope they don't go so over the top unless there's a certain weight to the violence thats being shown. Instead of dumb violence for the hell of it, it should be one of the disgusting and dark parts of what the characters have to do in their quest. It should be harsh, not mindless(something a lot of ultra violent directors and artists miss if they want emotion).
Title: Re: "New" Animated Dracula's Curse Series In the Works
Post by: Reinhart77 on August 27, 2015, 01:33:08 AM
Oh yeah. Nice seeing the franchise still has life blood in it in the west. He mentions a "decade of propoganda", so I would think that this has something at least tangentially related to Warren Ellis's works. Although, perhaps simply switching "who is going to do the Dracula's Curse animation" behind the scenes is sufficient to link the two projects.
I'm a big fan of Ninja Scroll (though I prefer the television series over the original ones) and Vampire Hunter D. So anything that brings back that feeling you get when watching those series is good for me. Ghost in the Shell too, Akira, not so much. I just hope its satisfyingly violent but not gory like Akira could be. Also, its probably a good thing he didn't say it was going to be erotically violent. Though I'm sure there'll be at least one scene that proves it's not a show kids should be watching.
New art please. Show it.
EDIT: Aw crap, I reread the article and saw that it will indeed have lots of gore. Hope it's the kind I can handle.
Title: Re: "New" Animated Dracula's Curse Series In the Works
Post by: Flame on August 27, 2015, 01:42:34 AM
Shankar is perfect for this. He's incredibly edgy, and Dredd was a fantastic adaptation, so i have the utmost confidence in him.
It's frederator that worries me. I just can't envision them doing anything remotely anime styled
Title: Re: "New" Animated Dracula's Curse Series In the Works
Post by: Dremn on August 27, 2015, 01:45:12 AM
Exciting stuff! Is Konami officially backing this? Maybe they have plans to keep the IP alive after all.
Title: Re: "New" Animated Dracula's Curse Series In the Works
Post by: Reinhart77 on August 27, 2015, 01:47:41 AM
I wonder if this is the tip of the iceberg of Konami licensing out their franchises all over the place in lieu of actually making new games that aren't gambling or cell phone. I'm starting to have an expectation we might see them license a new CV game to who knows who. Will we forgive Konami?
Title: Re: "New" Animated Dracula's Curse Series In the Works
Post by: Dremn on August 27, 2015, 01:55:04 AM
Quote
"Secondly, it’s great to hear that they’ve acquired the adaptation rights to the Konami game since that will presumably allow them to put their own spin on the series without too much interference from outside."
I hope Frederator doesn't revamp it too much, Dracula's Curse has a pretty simple story and the series has an easy to follow premise already. I just hope the art direction is appropriate...
Title: Re: "New" Animated Dracula's Curse Series In the Works
Post by: JR on August 27, 2015, 05:28:18 AM
Heh, all this talk of Castlevania, metal, and ultra violence reminded me of this:
The Black Dahlia Murder "What A Horrible Night To Have A Curse" (OFFICIAL VIDEO) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mEACzoMJuMA)
...I don't think BDM would fit too well as a soundtrack or anything (as much as I worship them), but the lyrics definitely evoke violent imagery. Kind of a cool take on Castlevania monsters and environments.
Title: Re: "New" Animated Dracula's Curse Series In the Works
Post by: TatteredSeraph on August 27, 2015, 07:13:35 AM
I hope Frederator doesn't revamp it too much, Dracula's Curse has a pretty simple story and the series has an easy to follow premise already. I just hope the art direction is appropriate...
You're not the only one hoping for this. There's a balance between making it fairly grim and dark, and not being afraid of a bit of gore and violene, but without making it x-rated (see 'Erotic Violence'), yet not dumbing it down and making it to kiddie cartoon style. If it can strike that balance, and manage to keep the fun references to stuff and be gorgeously gothic and oppulent in look, I will be happy in that respect. LoI, SotN, and the Bernhard castle in LoS (the trilogy) got that bang-on. But the writing needs to be done well.
I'm loving that two series I adore (Castlevania and VHD) are suddenly getting the animated tv series in the works treatment. But they need to be handled right.
Title: Castlevania 3 The Animated Series
Post by: Belmont legacy on August 27, 2015, 03:32:23 PM
Yes you read right. Castlevania 3: THE ANIMATED SERIES. We are getting what is said to be an extremely violent and gory animated series made spefically for adults. I'm thinking the reason why they want to center it around CV 3 is because this game doesn't get enough credit or attention like CV 1 or 2. I'm not a super huge fan of 3 but I still like it pretty well and I'm extremely happy we're getting an animated series seeing as the curse of darkness manga was never finished. Did I mention this was an anime?! Hell yes.
Title: Re: Castlevania 3 The Animated Series
Post by: Neobelmont on August 27, 2015, 03:36:40 PM
It sounded pretty terrible to me but apparently IGA gave feedback on it and so on, and it was supposed to tie into the canon. He even had permission to overwrite some of the back stories.
Title: Re: "New" Animated Dracula's Curse Series In the Works
Post by: theplottwist on August 28, 2015, 05:56:15 AM
I bet the jewels of the family that Ellis has not removed the terrible goat-fucking reference.
Title: Re: "New" Animated Dracula's Curse Series In the Works
Post by: Abnormal Freak on August 28, 2015, 06:11:22 AM
Including goat-fucking is about the only way I'd watch this. This would be like Kevin Eastman's Raphael and Casey Jones Bodycount comic: purposefully over-the-top and insanely violent for a series that is normally more subdued and relatively kid-friendly. I'd watch it if it didn't take itself too seriously.
But if it's trying to be all grimdark and wants to ignore that HBO's Spawn doesn't exist, it's probably going to suck, because taking the franchise there without a 1990s "holy fuck bro, this is wicked awesome" tongue-in-cheek approach simply wouldn't work. Considering they want a heavy metal soundtrack, I suspect they're aiming for cheese.
Title: Re: "New" Animated Dracula's Curse Series In the Works
Post by: Ratty on August 28, 2015, 01:10:57 PM
Saying it's inspired by violent adult anime and listing "Akira, Ghost In The Shell, and Ninja Scroll" Makes Hellsing (Ultimate) very conspicuous by its absence. Though I haven't read the original statement so maybe that was just the article writer's chosen name drops. Still, I'll be surprised if any any super violent anime involving Dracula can NOT count Hellsing as a significant influence now. There's also Vampire Hunter D, depending on how you define "super violent".
Title: Re: "New" Animated Dracula's Curse Series In the Works
Post by: Dremn on August 28, 2015, 06:56:07 PM
It sounded pretty terrible to me but apparently IGA gave feedback on it and so on, and it was supposed to tie into the canon. He even had permission to overwrite some of the back stories.
Oh no, now I'm feeling kinda worried about this if they're still using Ellis' script.
Title: Re: "New" Animated Dracula's Curse Series In the Works
Post by: darkmanx_429 on August 29, 2015, 01:17:19 AM
I am truly stoked about this because Adi Shankar's videos are all top notch in the quality department. For sure he takes liberties with IP's but damn I watch them all. The Punisher Dirty Laundry and Powers Rangers are my fav's but he has some good stuff his Bond adaption and what he did with Eddie Brock was awesome in my book.
At least I know the quality of the series will be good, I am just wondering (and somewhat curious) to how he is going to incorporate his personal spin on the franchise. I doubt he is going to go straight with the source material.
I don't know about Frederator, but they mentioned Akira, Ghost in the Shell, and Ninja Scroll, which are all great examples of superb animation.
Let's hope this doesn't get screwed up in the plot or animation departments.
I still have a sour taste from Devil May Cry, which the animation was decent put the story was crap in my opinion as well as the portraying of Dante. I could watch the cinema's in Devil May Cry 1, 3, and 4 all day long from a pacing and action standpoint. Don't even get me started with DMC...
Title: Re: "New" Animated Dracula's Curse Series In the Works
Post by: Reinhart77 on August 29, 2015, 03:11:53 AM
so glad they're using Ellis's script. would have been a shame to start over. glad to see it going somewhere. wonder if the original concept art is still relevant?
Title: Re: "New" Animated Dracula's Curse Series In the Works
Post by: RichterB on August 31, 2015, 06:42:19 PM
I find it ironic that Castlevania is suddenly "relevant" for an animated series but not video games. Maybe Konami is hoping to build new interest in the franchise? Otherwise, while it could be interesting in theory, this seems like a nostalgia pet project. Then again, there's supposedly a new Mega Man animated series in the works (and I'm not talking about Mighty No.9), so maybe this is part of a larger trend. Still, I find it all very curious. I just hope it's respectful to the games.
Saying it's inspired by violent adult anime and listing "Akira, Ghost In The Shell, and Ninja Scroll" Makes Hellsing (Ultimate) very conspicuous by its absence. Though I haven't read the original statement so maybe that was just the article writer's chosen name drops. Still, I'll be surprised if any any super violent anime involving Dracula can NOT count Hellsing as a significant influence now. There's also Vampire Hunter D, depending on how you define "super violent".
As for not mentioning Hellsing/Hellsing Ultimate, I think it shows where their era of influence/reference comes from, rather than the content itself. They want this to have that late 80s to mid 90s vibe, I'm guessing.
Title: Re: Castlevania 3 The Animated Series
Post by: Crying Freeman on August 31, 2015, 10:01:16 PM
Yes you read right. Castlevania 3: THE ANIMATED SERIES. We are getting what is said to be an extremely violent and gory animated series made spefically for adults. I'm thinking the reason why they want to center it around CV 3 is because this game doesn't get enough credit or attention like CV 1 or 2. I'm not a super huge fan of 3 but I still like it pretty well and I'm extremely happy we're getting an animated series seeing as the curse of darkness manga was never finished. Did I mention this was an anime?! Hell yes.
I'm glad they chose 3 too. Simon's games wouldn't make for very interesting stories unless they added more characters (CV2 could work but would be more complicated than 3) or pulled of a silent protagonist angle very well for a CV1 adaptation.
3 is straightforward, has 4 super memorable protagonists, and IMO a great setting in the darker times of everyone fearing dark magic. I've mentioned before, but the part about the Belmont's getting kicked out for their superhuman strength, only to be called back on to save the people that shunned them is a realistic and harsh plot point. It's great potential screaming for an adaptation.